Hackers today have
many ways to attack small businesses and business owners. Many attempt to use
technology to send malware, viruses, or phishing attacks; or use information to
con owners and employees into handing over more information than they
should.

One or more of
these techniques can be combined with gaining physical access to steal from
vulnerable firms. Identifying precisely how criminals target businesses and
what they deem most valuable can help to protect from the most devastating
attacks out there.

Remaining vigilant
and informed is one of the most vital things you can do as a business owner to
protect your assets and reputation.

Extortion

Different types of
attacks tend to rise and fall in popularity. Fifteen years ago, computer worms
were the most common attack that businesses faced. Security software wasn’t as
advanced or as widely used at it is today. Computer worms were, at the time, an
exceptionally low-cost and efficient way to inflict the maximum amount of
damage for minimum cost.

Today ransomware
has seen an unfortunate boom in popularity. This technology aims to encrypt the
target’s files on their personal computer. This technique denies the victim
access and charges a large fee in exchange for the key to retrieve the victim’s
own data.

The attack has
worked so often because it requires minimal effort and can be used again and
again. Many businesses have no option but to pay because the data is worth far
more than the ransom demand the hackers have made.

The best defense
against ransomware attacks, in addition to strong online security, is an
up-to-date offsite backup — one that is tested to work reliably.

Targeting Customer Records

One of the most
important things for your firm to take care of is your customer data records.
Records which include names, dates of birth, and other personally identifying
details. These details are extremely valuable to hackers or criminals who,
either use them personally or sell them on to someone who will.

Many regions have
strict laws and guidelines about how this information must be stored, accessed
and protected. Failing to follow these can result in severe penalties that
could devastate any company.

Targeting Financial Information

Like personal
information, a small business must take extreme care when storing customer
financial information. Sensitive details such as credit card or banking
information are a key target for hackers looking to steal money fast.

The impact on your
business reputation following a breach of financial data will be severe and
devastating. Even a simple mistake can require years of advertising and great
PR to repair. Many firms have failed to recover after losing the trust of their
customers.

Social Engineering

Most firms today
run good IT security packages to protect against online attacks and other forms
of malware. Attackers often know to take their methods offline to achieve the
best results.

Whether posing as
a supplier, customer, or interested party; attackers can seek to gain
information that you may be less than willing to hand over to a stranger. Small
businesses can often be used to gather information on vendors and suppliers
they do business with in order to attack them too.

Be particularly
cautious of the information you provide when discussing business with
individuals you haven’t spoken to before.

Keeping Small Business Safe

Each of these
targets and attacks are just some of the most popular and hard-hitting attacks
out there now. The list is forever changing, and the methods we use to protect
against them always needs to change too.

Some can be
defended against with great security, backups, and software. Others, such as
social engineering, need you and your staff to stay up-to-date and remain
vigilant about the major attacks affecting small business today.

If you need help tightening your businesses security, give us a call at 1-888-602-8990.

About

Greenmark IT is a managed service provider (MSP) servicing small and medium-sized businesses from Maine to Florida.
We offer comprehensive services to manage your desktop, server, and network infrastructure in addition to hardware, software, cloud solutions, and compliance solutions for HIPAA, SOX, and PCI.